<p>Rare earth-based functional nanomaterials have wide applications in catalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) due to their impressive performance. In particular, the superior oxygen storage and release ability of Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ reversible pairs, the high coordination number and rich coordination geometry of lanthanide (La) metal ions and the unique stereoselectivity of samarium (Sm) reagents have aroused more and more interest among scientists. To enhance the catalytic activity of Ce, La, Sm (CLS)-based catalysts, recent developments of various modification strategies have been performed to promote the charge transfer and activation of CO₂. This review constructively discussed the synthesis of modified CLS-based materials and the corresponding applications in thermal catalytic CO₂RR, photocatalytic CO₂RR, and electrocatalytic CO₂RR. Finally, the current difficulties of these materials and further research on the modification of rare earth-based catalysts, as well as the potential future development have been identified.</p>